So many great things happened at the ZenQuest 2018 spring Open House on Saturday, April 7th. The all day event featured tours, free trials, giveaways, children’s games and prizes, and even a magician for the kids. The event was a success on many levels for the visitors and for the host!First, several new students took the plunge and enrolled for classes. Both children and adults decided to begin their martial arts journey, and we’re looking forward to having them train with us for many years. Next, the Bake Sale held by the Bill Wright Scholarship Fund offered a boat-load of goodies to raise money for the non-profit group. Several ZenQuest enthusiast donated a variety of cookies, brownies, cakes, etc. for the effort, which raised over $200 towards student scholarships. Some prospective recipients also talked to representatives about possible tuition assistance. Special thanks to everyone who made this part of the Open House a success.Visitors also had opportunities to speak with the “Team Z” fight team, and participate in a 50/50 raffle. Our Karate and Jiu-jitsu parent Nick Mears won the raffle, which also raised over $100 towards fight team expenses.Lastly, the free self-defense clinics were a big success, with about 25 kids for the children’s workshop and 15 ladies for the women’s. Each included a brief discussion on “situational awareness” and appropriate times for action. Next, we covered some important hands-on training in strategies for defending or escaping common attacks and bullying. Special thanks to our instructors who helped, and to Chief Mike Wynn of the Pittsfield Police Department for assisting in the presentations. Based on the success of this event we are making this an annual happening, so lets all look forward to another big open house next year. Thanks again everyone!